JAMES Wallace reckons Tranmere Rovers FC can take a surge of confidence into this weekend’s encounter with League One strugglers Wycombe Wanderers.

Rovers head for Adams Park on the back of their best performance of 2012 so far, a 1-1 draw with promotion chasers Huddersfield Town last Saturday.

“Confidence wise, the lads are on a bit of a high after that performance,” said Wallace.

The 20-year-old midfielder, on a month’s loan from Everton, collected man of the match awards for his contribution against the Terriers. He said: “Hopefully we can take that confidence into the Wycombe game.”

Wallace says he has settled quickly at Prenton Park. He is following in the footsteps of Everton clubmate José Baxter, who spent three months on loan with Tranmere Rovers FC.

“I’m enjoying it here,” Wallace said. “I knew a few of the lads before signing. José let me know what it was like here and I’ve been able to fit in with the rest of the lads. I cooked them all breakfast the other day.”

Wallace confirmed he had opportunities to go elsewhere but was keen to make the short journey across the Mersey. “It was always in my mind to sign for Tranmere,” Wallace said. “I came over with José to watch a game and I thought I would like to have a crack at it here as well.

“I’ve been out on loan a couple of times before but they did not really work out because of injuries, suspension and the manager leaving at Stevenage.

“Hopefully I can get a few games under my belt and prove I can play in League One. You can settle into place when you are starting games and playing against the likes of Huddersfield.”

Liverpool-born Wallace turned professional with Everton in 2009 and has England caps at under 19 and under 20 level.

He played 14 games on loan with Stockport County last season and three for Shrewsbury Town in League Two earlier this season.

A loan to League One promotion chasers Stevenage at the start of 2012 was cut short when manager Graham Westley left the club.

Wallace’s performance against Huddersfield suggested he may have little difficulty in adapting his game to the demands of League One football.

He said: “It is very different to play in the reserves at Everton. In reserve team football you can get away with giving the ball away and it does not cost you much. Do that here and the opposition scores and the lads are on your case. If the gaffer wants me to stay longer I’m willing”.

Manager Les Parry confirmed that goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams will return to first-team action at Wycombe after missing the last two and a half months with a broken hand.

Fon Williams has played in a couple of practice matches this week to test out the hand and came through well.

Parry explained: “We wanted to give Fonners a game in the reserves on Monday but unfortunately that was called off because of a frozen pitch. So we had an 11 v 11 practice match the following day and he looked good.”

Parry said that financial pressures made it difficult for Tranmere to extend the loan of Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Rachubka into the third month. “It’s not ideal but we could not afford to keep Paul for any longer,” he added.